SR Manager - Corporate Food Safety and Quality

Job Overview

Senior Manager, Corporate Food Safety & Quality is responsible for leading and strengthening enterprise‑wide food safety and quality systems across Blue Diamond Growers’s manufacturing network and co‑manufacturing partners. This role provides corporate oversight, technical leadership, and governance to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal standards, and customer expectations while driving continuous improvement and risk reduction. The position plays a critical leadership role in transitioning production to co‑manufacturers, enhancing site‑level accountability, and embedding a proactive food safety culture across the organization.

• Corporate FSQA Governance and Oversight (40%)
  • Establish and maintain corporate food safety and quality policies, standards, and programs aligned with FSMA, USDA, Almond Board of California and global regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including FDA (21
    
    CFR
    117), state requirements and international standards.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for regulatory inspections and customer audits.
  • Provide oversight to ensure effective implementation of FSQA systems at all manufacturing sites and co‑manufacturers.
  • Develop FSQA KPIs with analytics and reporting cadence.
  • Lead internal audits and verification activities to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
  • Oversee the management of the Quality Assurance Laboratory to ensure compliance with regulatory, ISO 17025 and ensure customer expectations are being followed.
• Food Safety Risk Management (35%)
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate food safety risks across raw materials, processing, and finished products (with emphasis on low‑moisture foods and almonds).
  • Ensure robust preventive controls, including process controls (e.g., pasteurization validation).
  • Allergen management, environmental monitoring programs (EMP).
  • Crisis Management & Incident Response.
    • Lead or support food safety and quality incident investigations.
    • Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., FACTS‑based approach).
    • Develop communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders.
    • Ensure timely and effective resolution and documentation.
    • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for food safety or quality incidents.
  • Administer the Company’s pasteurization program to ensure adherence to the Almond Industry Pasteurization Rule.
  • Work with Process Authority in completing pasteurization validation studies.
  • Oversee the management of the Company’s Environmental Monitoring Program and Allergen Control Program.
  • Facilitate monitoring efforts between QA Laboratory and the Production Facilities.
• FSQA Continuous Improvement & Program Development (15%)
  • Drive standardization and simplification of FSQA.
  • Develop metrics, KPIs, and dashboard to measure FSQA performance.
  • Lead initiatives to improve product quality, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Training & Development
  • Provide and facilitate training of Company personnel and contract staffing.
  • Training to include but not limited to: HACCP, Food Safety, Food Security, Food Quality and Laboratory Policies and Procedures.
  • Provide technical assistance and expertise for other departments, customers and regulators.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by Supervisor.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in Food Safety & Quality within food manufacturing or CPG
• 5+ years experience in quality auditing in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience with low‑moisture foods and/or nut processing strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing co‑manufacturers and supplier quality programs.
• Quality Auditing training certificates (ASQ or CQS) are preferable.
• Strong oral and written skills to be able to provide clear and concise instructions.
• Ability to interact with people at all levels and promote a teamwork environment.
• Provide leadership and motivation while maintain an impartial attitude.
• Strong technical expertise in FSMA, preventive controls, HACCP principles.
• Experience with environmental monitoring programs (EMP), allergen…